‘New poor’ turn to refuge for Christmas toys

Parents are turning to the local women’s refuge in large numbers in desperation as they cannot afford toys for their children this Christmas.

Betty Doyle, manager of Co Wexford Women’s Refuge, said: “We have had so many requests since last week from people who are working and who have families, seeking support in relation to toys for Christmas.”

She said she has never seen a situation like this before, adding that these are parents who are holding down good jobs, but who have become financially stretched either through high mortgages or marital breakdown.